705 PROSTAGLANDINS (PG) STIMULATE DISACCHARIDASE ACTIVITY IN ADRENALECTOMIZED SUCKLING RATS

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that parenteral administration of prostacyclin (PGI₂) and enteral administration of 16, 16-dimethylPGE₂ (PGE) stimulate the activity of small intestinal disaccharidases in suckling rats. To determine whether this is a glucocorticoid-mediated effect, 10 day old rats were adrenalectomized (ADX) or sham (SH) operated. On days 11-14 these groups received PGE (100 μg/kg. b.i.d.) by gavage. Triacetin (TRI), the PGE vehicle, was administered to ADX and sham control littermates. Sacrifice was on day 15. Corticosterone RIA and autopsy were used to confirm completeness of ADX. Sucrase.and maltase (glucoamylase) activity (U=μmole/min/total small intestine) and specific activity (S.A. = U/mg protein) were elevated in adrenal-intact and ADX-PGE treated animals as follows:

Prostaglandin stimulation of disaccharidase activites in both control and ADX animals indicates that the adrenal axis is not necessary for this effect. The precocious elevation of disaccharidase activities suggests either a direct effect on the intestine or mediation through another “messenger” system.